Dear fellow members;

The Instrument Qualification Committee will conduct a class for interested members to become Qualified Observers. Beginning October 30th, 2007, classes in both astronomy and the proper use and handling of the 24-inch reflector telescope will be held on Tuesday evenings from 8:45 to 10:30pm at the William Miller Sperry Observatory.

As the chairman of the Instrument Qualification Committee, I invite any member in good standing to become a Qualified Observer - a member who has been trained in the use of the 24-inch telescope at Sperry Observatory, and has completed a series of classes in basic astronomy. If you are interested in becoming a QO, we will hold our first class of the Fall season on Tuesday, October 30th, 2007 at 8:45 p.m. at the William Miller Sperry Observatory on Union County College's Cranford campus. Classes will extend into the first week of February, 2008. Each lecture will be between one and two hours in length, and, weather permitting, most times will be followed by hands-on training on the 24-inch reflector telescope. Other opportunities for operational use of the telescope will be made available on some Thursdays and Saturday evenings. Additional training periods will be announced a week prior to each date.

Each lecture will cover a different aspect of astronomy; telescopes and optics, the planets, stars, deep sky objects, celestial co-ordinates, as well as the history of Amateur Astronomers, Inc. Our relationship with Union County College will be covered in detail. A QO Manual covering all lecture material will be available for sale within 2 weeks of the start of the course.

In late November, we will be training all candidates on a one-on-one basis in the proper use and handling of the 24-inch reflector telescope. It is required that each candidate obtain a red-light flashlight. You will be trained in the proper methods of setting up the telescope, how to find objects, be given a working knowledge of the instrument, and how to properly shut down the 'scope. Understandably, we want the most competent people to staff this expensive instrument, therefore, we believe this personal training gives us the best chance to help the students.

After the lecture series, a review of all classroom material will be held, followed by a written exam. We need our Observers to be well informed in astronomy (the Observer is AAI's most prominent representative!), so the minimum score for passing is 80 percent correct. Makeup exams will be available in the unlikely event a candidate falls short of the mark.

Upon passing the written and operational exams, you will be assigned to one of our five teams to operate the Observatory for the public on one Friday evening every fifth week; this will maintain your status as a Qualified Observer, and it will count toward becoming a Senior Observer with training on the use of the ten-inch refractor.

Not that the Observer has all this work and requirements without any of the benefits! You will gain access to the E.T. Pearson 24-inch reflector telescope, the largest telescope open to the public, on non-duty nights for your own viewing. Time can be reserved for any Observer who wants to do their own private viewing or photography. You will be able to participate fully in programs of observation with the Research Committee, who is currently working on CCD imagery with the telescope. You will become eligible to become a Senior Observer, accessing the 10-inch Mellor refractor telescope, which was designed and built by AAI. Observership has always had the benefit of opening new pathways into the operations of Amateur Astronomers, Inc., finding new friends, and, in general, leading to long-term enjoyment of the heavens.

I look forward to meeting you in person, either at the Observatory before classes start, or on October 30th. See you soon!

Sincerely yours,

Alan P. Witzgall, Chairman

Instrument Qualification Committee